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Update: Free movement post-Brexit

What is the Brexit update? In the last couple of days, news outlets have reported on the immediate end of free movement on Oct. 31 in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

What does the news mean? At the moment it is not clear whether the comments made by the Home Secretary represent a change in the underlying government policy; we note that no official legal changes have been announced.

Analysis & Comments: While awaiting further news, companies may want to prepare for changes to the legal position on short notice. Should work visas be required for business travel between the U.K. and the EU (in both directions) beginning Nov. 1, 2019, companies should make it a priority to assess which employees will be moving for work between the U.K. and the EU immediately after Oct. 31.

Beyond this, businesses may want to collect more details regarding employees’ roles, salaries and period of assignment/move, as these will be factors that will potentially impact the ability to secure a work permit in time for planned moves. If individuals are planning to relocate in the near future, employers should consider whether it is possible to bring dates forward before Oct. 31 to enable individuals to relocate under the free movement rules currently in place.